FORT PIERCE — Indian River State College (IRSC) has completed distribution of nearly $4.8 million in CARES Act grant money to more than 6,100 eligible students impacted by the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. The dissemination of funds, made possible through the passage of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, was one of several initiatives that IRSC has implemented to ease financial hardship, encourage uninterrupted educational attainment and promote physical and mental well-being for members of its campus communities during COVID-19.

Disbursements of CARES Act grant monies began in May and concluded this month. The college followed the strict guidance of the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) in its interpretation of the CARES Act funding, particularly with respect to eligibility of the awards. Award amounts were determined in alignment with student anticipated need, per Expected Family Contribution, and based upon both the total number of eligible students and total amount of funding made available to IRSC.

Additionally, the college has loaned laptops and provided internet hot spots to students in need, and made other provisions to help them to continue instruction during spring, summer and fall semesters. Essential campus services moved online to support students learning remotely. Among these were real-time research labs, tutoring and related services offered through the Academic Support Center, virtual breakout rooms for study groups, career and transfer services and virtual welcome desks for those seeking to connect with enrollment, financial aid, advising and other student services. The IRSC Health and Wellness Center is an active resource for students and employees seeking guidance on maintaining good physical and mental health, and the IRSC Pioneer Pantry has, without interruption, provided food for students and employees who request it.

Indian River State College continues its commitment to help uplift area residents and businesses by making high quality education opportunities and workforce-readiness programs widely available throughout the service district. Also this week, it announced the launch of a Rapid Credentialing program to provide unemployed, underemployed and furloughed workers training in in-demand areas of the regional workforce without cost. The program is made possible by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Rapid Credentialing grant by the Florida Department of Education.

For more information about any of these programs, or IRSC’s response to COVID-19, visit irsc.edu.